19 August 2015

Ditch The Tech... And Get A Dog!

Most people will have been mid conversation at some point when a beeping phone has interrupted the chat, someone has glanced away to check their social media accounts on their tablet or they just haven't paid attention at all due to game play on the latest console. Technology can have a big impact on family life and it may be a real distraction on a daily basis. You might even find it a struggle to shift your children from the sofa to stretch their legs out at the park in the sunshine but Dogs Trust have now suggested that getting a fluffy companion might be the answer!

Dogs Trust have collaborated with the BAFTA award-winning creative agency Don’t Panic to create the fun video above, which shows that getting a dog can be far more rewarding than technology! Dogs teach children about caring for others while providing responsibility and they really do become a special part of the family, just like our dog Spartan.

The film coincides with the 'Get A Dog' campaign launch to encourage families to adopt a dog and to make the most out of the summer and beyond. The children of today's nation seem to be glued to their mobile phones, or other devices, but a recent survey showed that 42% of families take more exercise due to having a pet which is definitely physically beneficial, especially with obesity on the increase.

Nearly half of the parents questioned said their dog is viewed as their child's best friend and when asked about their own childhoods having a dog while growing up had a positive impact on their childhood.

• 69% of parents surveyed grew up with a dog and of those, 93% believe their family pet enriched their own childhood.

• Of those surveyed who felt their family dog enriched their childhood, 39% said it taught them responsibility.

• Now that they are parents themselves, over half (54%) of those polled who had a pet dog when they were younger now have one for their own children

Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Adrian Burder, comments:“The summer holidays are a fantastic time to introduce a new dog to your family because the kids are around to enjoy those special first months together. It’s time to put down the iPad and walk away from the Xbox and… get a dog. Dogs Trust has 20 Rehoming Centres across the UK, full of rescue dogs ready and waiting to start making memories with you and your family.”

Spartan

Dogs Trust has also launched an online campaign at www.dogstrust.org.uk to get the nation opening up their family photo album and sharing their favourite childhood photo moment with their dog online. You can join in with the #GetADog hashtag too.

I'm so desperate for a dog, but hubby and I are out at work all day and I just couldn't bring myself to leave the dog at home alone for that amount of time! I'm always so jealous of families with their lovely furry friends!

We always had dogs when I was growing up, and while I don't have any as yet as I just don't have the time to devote to one, it is definitely something we'll be considering in the future. My siblings both have dogs and love them, they're treated like second children by both of them.Nicola

I love dogs but I would not be able to take care of him properly as I'm absent a lot but I do have two cats and they are the best choice we have made in terms of animals :) Love them to bits! And when I was back in Poland we always had dogs :)

Aw I love this post! When we got Piper we didn't realise how much training got into a puppy and thought we'd made a mistake but now she is so much better and part of the family. It's so nice to go for evening walks as well instead of us sat on our phones! xx

This is a great post we have been thinking about getting a dog as I am at home. But we will see, as it is like having another baby and needs a lot of love and affection so it has to be a complete commitment. I love animals so much, but i would just be worried in case our cat didn't get on with the dog or vice versa.. xx

We had a cat as children because a dog wasn't practical for looking after. But now we're on the farm, and it's dogs galore. They're brilliant, but I'm not sure I'd want dogs in the house. These are all working ones so have kennels.

I had my first dog when I was nine years old and it was the best decision my parents made! :P I used to love going outside with the dog and trying to teach her new tricks (though she wasn't often willing to learn). Introducing a dog into a family is fantastic. If we were allowed to have pets I'd definitely bring my dog up from the family home and have her here but we live in a rental so it's not possible. God I miss my dog! :(

We are seriously thinking about it. Our Daughter is an only child and we have a lovely big garden that would be perfect for a dog. I need to do a lot of research but I would of course adopt and rescue.

I would love to adopt a dog, especially for TL but sadly our lease doesn't allow pets :( For now he has his grandad's dog who he loves but if we ever move I'll be looking into adopting a dog for him as soon as I possibly can.

Your dog is fab, we had a little dog for years when finn was a baby. I would love to get another dog but might wait another few years till they are old enough to share the responsibities. Of course it makes a lot sense that the kids would probably get a lot more exercise and fresh air with a dog

Great campaign. We adopted a westie four years ago and while we've had our ups and downs, she is ours to be loved, and we could never part with her. Def a great exercise inducer also! I sometimes wonder if we didn't take her, where would she have ended up and it makes me sad!

Such a relevant post Emma! POD has been asking for a dog almost every day for weeks. She'll be five on Christmas Day and we're ponding the idea of getting a dog. I grew up with one and have great memories from my childhood x